DRAFT MINUTES OF�

TOWN BOARD MEETING

OF THE TOWN OF SARATOGA,

30 FERRY ST.,

SCHUYLERVILLE, NY

September 8, 2008

7:00 P.M.

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the meeting with the Pledge of Allegiance

at 7:00 p.m.

Roll call: Ruth Drumm, Town Clerk, called the roll.� Supervisor Thomas Wood- present, Councilman Fred Drumm - present, Councilman Charles Hanehan- present, Councilwoman Betty Koval - present, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � present.

Also present: Deputy Town Clerk Linda McCabe, Town Attorney William Reynolds, Highway Superintendent Dave Hall, Zoning Officer Gil Albert, and many other interested members of the public.

�

Recognitions/Presentations/ Bid openings/ Public Hearings:�

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm�� the following Resolution #08-109 � Beatrice Brownell�s 101^st Birthday

was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.� Carried 5 � 0.

�� WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga wishes to recognize and honor

Beatrice Cope Brownell on her 101^st birthday, and

�� WHEREAS, Beatrice was born September 16, 1907, in the Town of Greenfield, and

�� WHEREAS, Beatrice married her husband Irving and moved to the Village of Victory nearly 80 years ago, and

�� WHEREAS, Beatrice still lives in the same house on Gates Avenue in which she raised her children Lois, Carol, and John, and

�� WHEREAS, Beatrice Brownell worked at the Victory Mill for many years and

WHEREAS, Beatrice Brownell demonstrated in her daily life the qualities and attributes which are highly desired and valued by our society and

WHEREAS, Beatrice Brownell was active in the Schuylerville Methodist Church and was a caring and giving individual, and

WHEREAS, Beatrice Brownell has stated that the secret to living 101 years is good, clean living and

�� WHEREAS, it is fitting that the longevity and quality of the life of Beatrice Brownell be honored, recognized and remembered by the Town of Saratoga, now, therefore be it,

�� RESOLVED, that the day of September 16, 2008, is hereby dedicated to the life of Beatrice Cope Brownell in grateful recognition by the Town Board of The Town of Saratoga on behalf of all the residents of the town.

Supervisor Thomas Wood opened the bids for the Asbestos Removal and/or Demolition of the Old Highway Garage.� The results were as follows:��

West Branch Inc. 235 Daniels Road, Saratoga Springs: Asbestos Removal and Demolition - $82,500.

M& J Construction, 465 Rt. 9N, Saratoga Springs: Only Structure Demolition & Removal - $27,000.

Dan�s Hauling & Demo, Inc., 74 Exchange Street, Albany, NY - Asbestos Removal and Demolition - $54,600.

Empire Dismantlement Corp., 2680 Grand Island Blvd., Grand Island, NY 14072 - Asbestos Removal and Demolition - $89,740.

D.S.A Services, Inc., 800 East Elizabeth Avenue, Linden, NJ - Asbestos Removal and Demolition - $ 128,000, Demolition only - $89,000, Asbestos Removal only - $48,000.

KEK Excavators, 547 Oswegatchie Rd., Palatine Bridge, NY - Asbestos Removal and Demolition - $34,560, Demolition only - $8,302.50, Asbestos Removal only - $26,257.50.

Atlantic Contracting Specialties, Troy, NY - Asbestos Removal and Demolition - $59,300, Demolition only - $32,900, Asbestos Removal only - $48,800.�

Supervisor Thomas Wood explained that the board was not going to accept a bid this evening.�

Approval of Minutes: A motion was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval to accept the minutes of the August 11^th regular meeting as written. Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.� Carried 5� 0.��

Town Clerk�s report for August 2008: Town Clerk Ruth Drumm reported.� Fees paid to the County Treasurer for Dog Licenses $85.77. Fees paid to the NYS Dept. of Agriculture and Markets for the spay/neuter program $39.00. Fees paid to New York D.E.C. for hunting and fishing licenses $1,635.04.� Fees paid to the New York State Health Department for Marriage licenses $67.50.� Dog license fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $239.23. Clerk fees to Supervisor Thomas Wood $195.96. Total State, County, and Local Revenues received were $2,262.50.

Zoning Officer�s report for August 2008:� Zoning Officer Gil Albert reported: 6 Building Permits, 0 Building Permit Renewals, 24 Building Inspections, 7 COs, 0 Junk Yard Permits, 0 Complaints, and 7 misc.� A check for $1,333.92 was given to Supervisor Thomas Wood.�

Dog Control Officer�s report for August 2008: Supervisor Thomas Wood read the report for DCO Ed Cross.� He answered 44 complaints, traveled 198 miles, issued 19 warnings, took 3 dogs to the shelter, and 6 summonses were issued.�

��

Town Court report for August 2008: The following were closed: 161Vehicle & Traffic, 17 Criminal/Penal Law, 9 DEC/ENCON, 5 Dog cases, 4 DWIs, 0 Town & Village Ordinance, 3 Small Claims/Civil, 1 Eviction, 0 Bench trials, 0 Divestiture Forms (case transfers) sent to County Court, 14 attended the Science of Speed School, 0 Defendants sentenced to probation, 235 hours of community service issued, 25 days of jail time issued, 0 Orders of Protection issued, and $12,271.00 in fees were paid to the NY State Comptroller.�

Tax Collector�s report:� No report.

Historian�s report:� �Historian Sean Kelleher submitted the following report:

The office is focused on packing up the collection for the planned move in September/October.� In addition, we are finishing up the planning for Surrender Week in October.

Assessor�s report: No report.

Supervisor�s report: Supervisor Thomas Wood presented his financial report as follows:

SUPERVISOR�S REPORT AUGUST 2008

�� GENERAL FUND � TOWNWIDE (A FUND)�� YTD��

��

�� Balance on hand JULY 31�� $�� 981,427.14

�� Aug. Revenues�� +�� 107,177.64�� 768,786.91

�� Aug. Disbursements�� -�� 81,846.26�� 511,288.11

�� Balance AUGUST 31� �� $ 1,006,758.52

�� GENERAL FUND � OUTSIDE VILLAGE (B FUND)

��

�� Balance on hand JULY 31�� $198,546.94

�� Aug. Revenues�� +�� 3,183.55�� 239,504.62

�� Aug. Disbursements�� -�� 6,516.91�� 148,805.35

�� Balance AUGUST 31�� $195,213.58

�� HIGHWAY FUND � OUTSIDE VILLAGE (DB FUND)

��

�� Balance on hand JULY 31�� $389,365.55

�� Aug. Revenues�� +� 96,940.00�� 719,133.53

�� Aug. Disbursements�� -� 53,701.01�� 714,899.95

�� Balance AUGUST 31�� $432,604.54

��

YOUTH RECREATION & SERVICE�� AUGUST 31�� $2,111.27

��

HIGHWAY EQUIPMENT RESERVE� AUGUST 31�� $902.63

�� BUILDING RESERVE� AUGUST 31�� $1,060,050.86

�� (Includes Good Faith Bond Deposit of $58,652)

�� Down Payment on School of� $325,000 was paid 6/11/08

�� PARKS AUGUST 31� �� $53,401.11

�� RISK� AUGUST 31�� $28,948.17

�� SCENIC BY WAYS GRANT�� $8,842.23��

��

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that the August Sales Tax Revenue received was $96,940.�

Highway: Highway Superintendent Dave Hall reported that Rick Drew is retiring on October 16^th with 38 years of service.� He will be sorely missed.� Highway Superintendent Dave Hall stated that mowing along the roads and ditching and patching of the roads continues. The price of asphalt continues to go up.� They are hauling winter sand under last year�s contract.�

Supervisor Thomas Wood also thanked Rick for his commendable service to the town and agreed that he will be greatly missed.�

Public comments on agenda items:�

Sherry Doubleday commented on Bea Brownell�s 101^st birthday.�

Committee reports

Landfill: No report.

Insurance: No report

Youth: �No report.

Buildings:�

Supervisor Thomas Wood reported that every Wednesday a meeting takes place with the project manager at the new town hall.� Everything is very positive and progressive except for the three stop Otis elevator.� Some parts that are needed are coming from Germany and will not be here in time to have the three stop elevator in place by the closing scheduled for September 15^th or for the move scheduled for September 30^th.� Otis Elevator has agreed to reinstall the two stop elevator so that all the offices can be moved on the 30th.� The records will be moved when the three stop elevator is in, probably in the middle of October.��

Senior Citizens:� Councilwoman Betty Koval reported that the Quaker Springs Senior Citizens met today.� Following lunch there was general discussion on programs for future meetings.� Suggestions are requested.�

There is a bus trip scheduled for Monday, October 20^th to New England.� The first stop will be at 10:00 am at the Vermont Soap Discount Factory Outlet and Museum.� The next stop is at noon at the Inn at Essex where there will be lunch and a chef demo.� Travelers will leave at 2:00 pm and visit the Cold Hollow Cider Mill at 3:00 pm and then start for home at 4:00 pm.� The cost is $35 and reservations are due to Henrietta Waldinger (584-3429) by October 20^th.�

The next meeting is October 13, 2008.�

Parks:�

Laurie Griffen reported on Schuyler Park.� The Schuyler Park Committee met last Tuesday and opened the bids for the clearing and grubbing of the park site.� They unanimously voted to accept the bid from Galusha & Sons for $27,350 and recommended that the Town of Northumberland and the Town of Saratoga boards accept it also.� She is hoping that once Galusha & Sons are notified that work can commence and be done by the end of September.� Town Attorney William Reynolds asked to review the contract on behalf of the town.� Laurie Griffen will contact Galusha & Sons.� Laurie Griffen stated that the Friends of Schuyler Park are trying to achieve 501C3 not for profit status so that donations to the park will be tax deductible.� Town Attorney William Reynolds suggested that research be done as to whether a 501C3 status is needed since it is owned and run by municipalities and a tax deduction for donations may be available without the 501C3 status.� He will research the subject. Town Attorney William Reynolds asked Laurie Griffen where we stand on the Master Plan and she replied that Dave Miller of the LA Group should have it to the boards next month. The LA Group using GPS will mark out the clearing and grubbing site for Galusha & Sons.��

National Incident Management System Committee (NIMS):� No report.

��

Committee to Honor Volunteer Firefighters & Emergency Medical Service Workers:� Sherry Doubleday reported that the committee met at the new town hall and a preliminary sketch of the memorial site will be done.� They need to assess where the water lines are located for the sprinkler system and check on power to light the memorial.��

GSES, QSFD, SLPID/SLA, SCFB Reports:

General Schuyler Emergency Squad:� Sherry Doubleday reported that there was a total of 810.5 volunteer hours last month.� There have been 490 runs year to date, 370 patients, 303 transported, 24 ALS intercepts, 46 RMA�s and 23 standbys. We have many events coming up that we will be covering such as the town wide garage sale, the Hudson Crossing Fest, SLAA Fun Day, and the Skidmore Regattas.

Quaker Springs Fire Department (QSFD):� Stephen Bodnar addressed the board reporting that the treasurer�s books were audited and found to be fine.� The bid on the substation was rejected and will be reopened on September 18, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.�� They responded to 9 calls in August.� The commissioners are working on the 2009 budget and will have a budget soon to the town.� The next meeting will be September 15^th at 7:00 p.m. at the firehouse.��

Saratoga County Farm Bureau:� Marty Hanehan, Turning Point Dairy, reported that the abundance of rain has increased crop yields; third cuttings of hay have been done; and now the corn harvest begins.� He added that there are some low hanging wires on County Rd. 71 and Councilman Fred Drumm will contact the Cable Company to try to get them raised.�

Old business: None

New business:

On a motion by Councilwoman Betty Koval and seconded by Councilman Michael McLoughlin the following Resolution #08-104 - Appointment of a Health Officer

WHEREAS, the Town Board has accepted the resignation with regret of Dr. Bruce Harro as Health Officer as of August 15, 2008, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga hereby appoints Dr. Christopher Thomas as Health Officer as of September 1, 2008 � December 31, 2008.��

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan the following Resolution #08-105 Appointment of Anne Crandall to BAR (10/01/2008 � 9/30/2013) was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.� Carried 5 � 0.

WHEREAS, the term of appointment on the Board of Assessment Review for Anne Crandall is expiring on September 30, 2008, therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga hereby reappoints Anne Crandall for another 5-year term from 10/1/2008 � 09/30/2013. ��

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval� the following Resolution #08-106 Accept bid for Movers � New Town Hall

WHEREAS, the town is in need of professional movers to assist in the move to the new town hall at 12 Spring Street; and

WHEREAS, bids were solicited; therefore be it

RESOLVED, to accept the lowest proposal from American Van Service, Big Boom Road, Glens Falls, NY, in the amount of $7,510. ��

��

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilman Charles Hanehan the following Resolution #08-107 Accept Proposal for Schuyler Park � Cutting & Excavation was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.� Carried 5 � 0.

WHEREAS, the town board of the Town of Saratoga recognizes the need for the cutting, clearing, and grubbing of brush and trees at Schuyler Park; and

WHEREAS, bids were solicited via advertising; and

WHEREAS, the Schuyler Park Committee opened all bids on August 26, 2008 and unanimously recommends to both the Town of Northumberland and the Town of Saratoga town boards that the lowest bidder, Galusha & Sons, be awarded the contract; and

WHEREAS, the town board of the Town of Northumberland met on September 4^th and unanimously approved Schuyler Park Committee�s recommendation to award the bid for the clearing and grubbing of the Park site to Galusha & Sons, the lowest bidder; therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the lowest proposal from Galusha & Sons in the amount of $27,350�� be accepted for the cutting, clearing, and grubbing of brush and trees at Schuyler Park pending review and approval by Town Attorney William Reynolds and Town Engineer Kenneth Martin that the bid specifications are met.�

��

On a motion by Councilman Michael McLoughlin and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #08-108 Purchase of Real Property was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.� Carried 5 � 0.

WHEREAS, the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga, entered into a certain Agreement of Sale, dated June 9, 2008 for the purchase of real property located at 12 Spring Street, Schuylerville, NY, and�

WHEREAS, said contract provided for certain repairs and modifications to be made by the seller prior to closing of title, and

WHEREAS, there have arisen certain additional costs for said repairs and modifications which were unanticipated by the parties at the time of contract, it is therefore now

RESOLVED, that the Supervisor is authorized to enter into an Amendment to the aforesaid contract allowing the seller, Schuylerville HS Building, LLC, an additional seller credit of up to $30,000.00 at time of closing, said payment to be made from the 2008 Buildings account of the Town.

On a motion by Councilman Fred Drumm and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval the following Resolution #08-110 Consolidation of Polling Places for Local Voter Registration Days was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.� Carried 5 � 0.

WHEREAS, the Town of Saratoga is required to hold two local voter registration days in a Presidential election year, and

WHEREAS, the board recognizes that consolidation of polling places for the voter registration days has been done in the past to save money, now therefore be it

RESOLVED, that the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga will consolidate polling places for voter registration days which are Wednesday, October 8^th from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. and Saturday, October 11^th from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.� Districts 1, 2, and 4 will register at the Saratoga Town Hall, 30 Ferry St., Schuylerville and Districts 3 and 5 will register at the Quaker Springs Fire Hall, 107 Blodgett Road, Schuylerville.��

Jaime O�Neill, Planner with Saratoga County Planning Department, addressed the board on behalf of Mr. & Mrs. John Hoogeveen.� She stated that the Hoogeveen�s are applying to the NYS Department of Agriculture & Markets Program for the purchase of development rights in order to preserve their 409 acre farm for agriculture.� Supervisor Thomas Wood stated that it states in the 2002 Comprehensive Plan the importance of preserving agriculture in the town.� Marty Hanehan added that the project keeps agriculture viable in the town.� The town benefits because open space doesn�t require the services that residences do.� Councilman Charles Hanehan commented that it is a worthy project but will abstain from voting to avoid any appearance of a conflict of interest.� He added that the project will come before the Agricultural Farmland Protection Board, of which he is a member, for review next Thursday and he believes it will be supported there also.�

On a motion by Supervisor Thomas Wood and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm� the following Resolution #08-111 Support for the Purchase of Development Rights � Hoogeveen Farm was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � abstained, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.� Carried 4 � 0.

WHEREAS, John Hoogeveen, landowner in the Town of Saratoga, intends to participate in the New York State Agriculture and Markets Program seeking to permanently preserve 409 acres of active farmland on County Rte 70 in the Town of Saratoga; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board views the preservation of agriculture as vital to the quality of life and economy of the town as evidenced by the Town of Saratoga Comprehensive Plan, Saratoga County Farmland Protection Plan, and Saratoga County Green Infrastructure plan which recommends the use of conservation easements purchase of development rights as a tool to preserve agriculture and recognizes the importance of protection farmland and open spaces; and

WHEREAS, the Town Board finds that the grant application is worthy and will provide funding to permanently preserve the Hoogeveen parcel for agricultural uses only; and

WHEREAS, the Town is an eligible applicant under the grant program and may hold and monitor the conservation easement; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, that the Town of Saratoga fully supports this application and shall act as the applicant, holding a conservation easement consisting of the development rights of the Hoogeveen parcel, and shall periodically monitor conformance with the terms of the easement, and be it

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Town Supervisor is hereby authorized to contract with the New York State Agriculture and Markets and execute any documents necessary to accept and redistribute Farmland Protection funds, should the grant application be successful.

Communications:

v Town Board�s & Planning Board Members invitation to Tour (East End of Long Island)� On the Road to Planning a Future for Farms- October 2-3, 2008

v Schuylerville Area Garage Sale � September� 20 & 21 � Karen Garnsey� 695-6499

v 5^th Annual Planning/Zoning Conference � 1/29/09

v Thank you notes from Lucia Cappiello and Jennifer Lopez for the Town of Saratoga Awards at Graduation

Privilege of the floor:

Roger Sherman informed the board that there is now a Neighborhood Watch Program in the Village of Schuylerville.� He also has looked into consolidation of services of the Code Enforcement Officer with the villages but it is not wanted at this time.� He stated that he is working on the outside water user issue where they are unfairly being charged 1 � times the rate that the village residents pay.� He said one reason that is used for the additional charge is if someone fails to pay they are unable to levy the tax onto the property taxes.� Town Attorney William Reynolds stated that he would research the ability to levy the water tax and report next month.�

Clarence Fosdick reported that the Active Agriculture Parcel Map that he has been working on is ready for the board and others to review.��

Councilman Michael McLoughlin reported that the Hudson Crossing Fest is this Saturday at Lock 5.� There will be vendors and Energy booths.� He urged people to go and see the progress of the park.�

Upcoming meetings:

v Budget Workshops � Wednesday, September 17^th and tentatively September 24^th at 6:00 p.m.

v Agenda meeting � Thursday, October 9, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at 12 Spring St.

v Regular town board meeting � Wednesday, October 15, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. (Due to the Columbus Day Holiday on Monday, October 13^th) at 12 Spring St.

Audit the Bills: On a motion by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilman Fred Drumm the following Resolution #8-112- Approving the payment of bills in Abstract 9G was adopted by vote: Supervisor Thomas Wood - aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan � aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin � aye.� Carried 5 � 0.

RESOLVED, by the Town Board of the Town of Saratoga to authorize payment of the bills listed in Abstract 9G (09/08/2008) in the following amounts: General A $29,910.21,� General B $627.85, Building Reserve BR $7,666.00 and Highway Outside DB $39,875.33, for a total of $78,079.39.

A motion to adjourn at 9:00 p.m. was made by Councilman Charles Hanehan and seconded by Councilwoman Betty Koval.� Supervisor Thomas Wood � aye, Councilman Fred Drumm � aye, Councilman Charles Hanehan - aye, Councilwoman Betty Koval � aye, and Councilman Michael McLoughlin - aye.� Carried 5 � 0.

Respectfully Submitted,

Ruth Drumm

Town Clerk

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